Solid State Logic SB 32.24 User manual

Network I/O Stagebox SB 32.24 User Guide Contents
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electronic,without the written permission of
Solid State Logic, Oxford, OX5 1RU, England
As research and development is a continual process, Solid State Logic reserves the right to change
the features and specifications described herein without notice or obligation.
Solid State Logic cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from
any error or omission in this manual.
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS, PAY SPECIAL HEED TO SAFETY WARNINGS.
E&OE
June 2017
Document Revision History
FIRST VERSION
Revision 1.0
20th June 2017

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Network I/O Stagebox SB 32.24 User Guide Contents
TableofContents
Table of Contents 3
Introduction 5
Key Features: 5
SB 32.24 Front Panel 5
SB 32.24 Rear Panel 5
Mains Power Connections 6
Channel LEDs 6
Net A, Net B and H/W status LEDs 7
Hardware Connections: 8
Status & Reset (DHCP) 8
Dante Connection Examples 9
Gain-dependant source and gain-compensated splits available to master console 9
Gain-dependant source and gain-compensated splits available to both consoles (no
SFP’s fitted - external switch connected) 9
Gain-dependant source and gain-compensated splits available to both consoles
(SFP’s fitted). 10
Gain-dependant source available to master console, Gain-compensated split
available to secondary console. 10
Connecting a PC: 11
Network Connection 11
SSL Network I/O Controller PC application 11
IP Address 11
Linking/Unlinking Networks A and B 12
Software Control 13
The GUI 13
Network View 13
Inputs/Outputs 14
View Inputs 14
View Outputs 15
Ownership 16
Gain Compensation 17
Dante Controller 18
Dante Controller PC GUI 18
Appendix A – Physical specifications 19
Appendix B – Performance specifications 20
Mic/Line Inputs 20
Measurement Parameters 20
Line Outputs 21
Measurement Parameters 21
Digital Inputs 22
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Network I/O Stagebox SB 32.24 User Guide Contents
Appendix C – Safety Notices 23
General Safety 23
Installation Notes 23
Power Safety 24
For EU 24
Environmental Declaration 24
RoHS notice 25
For USA 25
Electromagnetic Compatibility 25
Environmental 25
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Network I/O Stagebox SB 32.24 User Guide Contents
Introduction
Overview
SB 32.24 is a 5U, 40-input and 24-output Dante stagebox featuring 32 SuperAnalogue™ mic/line
inputs, 4 AES/EBU inputs, 16 analogue line outputs and 4 AES/EBU outputs. All analogue and AES
audio connectors are XLR-3 type.
SB 32.24 can be controlled remotely from SSL Live and System T consoles as well as from SSL’s
Network I/O Controller app for PC.
SB 32.24 is suitable for all high-quality AoIP applications of any scale. Redundant power, redundant
ruggedized etherCON Dante connection plus two user-specifiable SFP ports which provide network
extension or support a second independent Dante network complete the professional hardware
requirement.
KeyFeatures:
●Interface between studio/stage/recording-area and IP audio networks using Dante
●SSL SuperAnalogueTM Studio Grade preamps
●Gain-compensated Dante Split available on the same or on a separate (B) network
●Device and parameter ownership assignment to avoid control conflicts
●Redundant PSUs and Dante ports
●Redundant network extension ports
●Clear front panel indication – signal present, phantom power, channel attention on analogue
inputs
●Front facing XLR connections
●Network B SFP ports can be configured with RJ45 or optical LC connectors
SB32.24FrontPanel
SB32.24RearPanel
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Network I/O Stagebox SB 32.24 User Guide Contents
MainsPowerConnections
Each Stagebox includes redundant PSUs with IEC connectors; either supply can individually power
the unit. Ideally these should be connected to separate power circuits to provide redundancy of
incoming AC power.
●PSU LEDs are informational and are green in normal operation.
●A flashing red PSU LED indicates the failure of PSU 1
●A static red PSU LED indicates a failure of PSU 2
ChannelLEDs
●Analogue signal LEDs (SIG) are green above -42 dBFS and red at -0.1 dBFS (clipping).
●48V / ATT indicates Phantom Power and/or Attention depending on red, green, or flashing
combinations as follows:
●Red – phantom power on
●Green flashing – channel Attention active
●Green & red flashing – phantom power on &
channel Attention active
Note: The three holes above each of the XLR sockets are part of the unit’s ventilation. Do
not block (e.g. with tape!)
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Network I/O Stagebox SB 32.24 User Guide Contents
NetA,NetBandH/WstatusLEDs
A series of LEDs towards the right hand side of the front panel indicate statuses as follows.
Label
LED Status
Off
Green
Red
(priority over
flashing red)
Flashing Red
AES IN 1/2
ACT
Analogue inputs
25/26 in use
AES inputs 1/2
in use
N/A
N/A
H/W
N/A
All hardware
(fans etc.) good
Hardware fault - check software
AES IN 3/4
ACT
Analogue inputs
27/28 in use
AES inputs 3/4
in use
N/A
N/A
NET A
N/A
Dante network
A good
Dante A Pri
Fault
Dante A Sec
Fault
AES IN 5/6
ACT
Analogue inputs
29/30 in use
AES inputs 5/6
in use
N/A
N/A
NET B
N/A
Dante network
B good
Dante B Pri
Fault
Dante B Sec
Fault
AES IN 7/8
ACT
Analogue inputs
31/32 in use
AES inputs 7/8
in use
N/A
N/A
PSU
Unit not
powered
PSU 1 & 2 good
PSU 1 Fault
PSU 2 Fault
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Network I/O Stagebox SB 32.24 User Guide Contents
HardwareConnections:
DANTEConnections
SB 32.24 has two redundant sets of network connections. The Network A ports feature etherCON
ruggedised RJ45 connectors, and the Network B ports are SFP cages, which can be fitted with either
RJ45, Single-mode or Multi-mode LC fibre connectors.
The SB 32.24 Network connections can be configured in two different modes:
In the first mode, the A and B networks are linked internally (A+B Network Link LEDs are ON). In
this mode, both Network A and Network B are identical and output both the gain-dependant and
gain-compensated audio. Dante devices can subscribe to either one.
In second mode, the A and B networks are discrete (A+B Network Link LEDs are OFF), and
isolated from each other. In this mode Network A transmits uncompensated audio (and receives
audio for the analogue and AES outputs and also control data) and Network B transmits the
compensated audio only. Note that they have to be synchronised to the same clock source.
Status&Reset(DHCP)
A+B Network Link LED indicates unit is configured to connect internal
A and B networks
Off: Networks not linked
Green: Network A and Network B Linked
Dante B SRC LED is reserved for future possibilities!
Reset DHCP independently resets the internal Networks to DHCP
supplied addresses. Insert a small ‘prodder’ into the relevant opening
and press and hold for approx. 3 seconds to reset to DHCP addressing. The LED on the chosen port
will briefly turn red to indicate this has happened.
FactoryReset
If BOTH Reset DHCP buttons are held for 6 seconds, this will trigger a Factory Reset of the
stagebox.
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Network I/O Stagebox SB 32.24 User Guide Contents
DanteConnectionExamples
Gain-dependantsourceandgain-compensatedsplitsavailabletomasterconsole
In this mode, both the
gain-dependant and the
gain-compensated splits are
available to the master console.
Stagebox outputs are available to
the master console.
Gain-dependantsourceandgain-compensatedsplitsavailabletobothconsoles(noSFP’sfitted-
externalswitchconnected)
In this mode both the
gain-dependant and the
gain-compensated splits are
available to both consoles
(no SFP’s fitted - external
switch connected). Input
ownership and stagebox
outputs are available to
either console
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Network I/O Stagebox SB 32.24 User Guide Contents
Gain-dependantsourceandgain-compensatedsplitsavailabletobothconsoles(SFP’sfitted).
In this mode both the
gain-dependant and the
gain-compensated splits are
available to both consoles
(SFP’s fitted). Input
ownership and stagebox
outputs are available to
either console.
Gain-dependantsourceavailabletomasterconsole,Gain-compensatedsplitavailableto
secondaryconsole.
In this mode only the
gain-dependant split is available
to the master console. Only the
gain-compensated split is
available to the secondary
console. Input ownership and
stagebox outputs are only
available to the master console.
Please note: Secondary
console must be
synchronised to the same
clock source as the master
console.
To configure the internal
network link see NETWORK
CONNECTION later.



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Network I/O Stagebox SB 32.24 User Guide Contents
ConnectingaPC:
NetworkConnection
SSLNetworkI/OControllerPCapplication
When the SB 32.24 is used without an SSL console, configuration and control is achieved using the
SSL Network I/O Controller PC application. Download the application from the SSL website using the
link http://www2.solidstatelogic.com/broadcast/network-i-o/downloads.
Double-click the downloaded file to run the installer, then follow the on-screen instructions.
Once the application has installed:
●Connect the Windows PC to the same subnet as the stagebox. The SSL Network I/O –
Controller application uses TCP/IP to communicate with the stagebox, so if communications
are not working, check Windows Firewall settings.
You may need to change your computer’s TCP/IP settings to match your Dante subnet.
Network configuration should be done before opening the application; subsequent changes to
network settings may require ‘Network I/O – Controller’ to be restarted.
Set your computer to ‘Never Sleep’ to maintain communication.
For additional information see Dante Controller section.
IPAddress
Unless shipped as part of a preconfigured system, Stagebox units are shipped with the IP address
set to use DHCP.
If the IP settings need to be changed to a fixed address – to match the network environment in
which the unit is to be installed – this can be achieved using the Dante Controller application.
Remember that your computer’s TCP/IP network settings will also need to be updated to match
those of the stagebox unit.
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Network I/O Stagebox SB 32.24 User Guide Contents
Linking/UnlinkingNetworksAandB
The SB 32.24 can be configured to have both the gain-dependant and gain-compensated audio
available on the same network, or to have them assigned to two separate (A/B) networks. To
LINK/SEPARATE the A/B networks use Dante Controller to configure the network settings as
required.
In Dante Controller click on the Device View tab. Double-click on the main* device’s IP address
(* NOT the Split output’s IP address!). Click on the Network Config tab. From the Switch
Configuration drop-down select Network A+B Linked or Network A+B Unlinked. If the
networks are Unlinked, only the gain-compensated splits will be available from network B and only
the gain-dependant audio from network A. If the networks are Linked, both gain-compensated and
gain dependant splits are available from both network A and B connectors.
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Network I/O Stagebox SB 32.24 User Guide Contents
SoftwareControl
TheGUI
The application window is divided into five sections:
NetworkView
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Network I/O Stagebox SB 32.24 User Guide Contents
Inputs/Outputs
Select the Inputs or Outputs tab in the Page Select area to view I/O available on the network.
ViewInputs
●Channel Info shows all parameters of the channel at a glance. The ATT flag will change to
red on channels requesting attention.
●Fader allows for manual level control via the slider, keyboard arrow keys, or numeric entry
by clicking the text Gain Value box.
●The fader level bar is coloured red on microphone input channels and cyan on line level
inputs.
●Mute mutes the input or output channel.
●+48V toggles the mic preamp phantom power. Selecting Line input will turn off phantom
power.
●Pad toggles the -30 dB mic preamp pad.
●Mic/Line select toggles the appropriate input gain range and impedance for mic or line level
sources.
●ATT (Attention) toggles the hardware front panel LED for fast identification of a physical
input connector. Multiple channels can have Attention active. All attention signals on a
stagebox can be cleared via the Setup window.
●Level Meter shows the signal level for the selected channel. A red clipping indicator is also
provided.
●Control Status shows whether the viewer has control of the input’s parameters
○Rel in Cyan indicates that this input is under the control of the viewer. Press and Hold
to relinquish control
○Take indicates that the input is NOT under the control of the viewer. Press and Hold
to take control from the owner.
●Show Gain toggles the fader into the focus view window. Gain can be controlled via mouse,
keyboard, or numeric entry.
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Network I/O Stagebox SB 32.24 User Guide Contents
ViewOutputs
The View Outputs window shows a reduced option set. Output level meters are shown; the Mute
button’s function is as before.
The keys and combinations are mapped to the PC keyboard. For example, pressing ALT+UP on the
keyboard will increase the gain by 3 dB.
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Network I/O Stagebox SB 32.24 User Guide Contents
Ownership
When multiple SSL consoles are connected to the Dante Network, each console has the ability to
adjust all parameters and settings for SSL Network I/O Stageboxes.
SSL Network I/O Stageboxes can be controlled by all SSL Live consoles, SSL System T consoles as
well as computers running the SSL Network I/O Controller PC application (which can be downloaded
from the SSL website).
The concept of ownership has been introduced to assign one owner to each stagebox parameter, so
that there can be no conflicts for control.
To ‘own’ a Network I/O Stagebox, tap on the stagebox name and its Detail View will appear.
Note: In an SSL Live system, first the device must be listed in the  Configured Devices  list.
There are three levels of ownership:
●Stagebox ownership: control SB 32.24 setup information only
●Input ownership: control input parameters only
●Input x ownership: control of input parameters on a per input basis
To become the Stagebox owner, press and hold the STAGEBOX OWNERSHIP button in the SB
32.24’s GUI Detail View. The Stagebox owner is listed in cyan beside this button.
To become the owner of ALL inputs, press and hold INPUT OWNERSHIP.
To become the owner of one or more specific inputs, first tap Inputs to the right of the
SB 32.24's Detail View. Tap on the desired input and press EDIT SETTINGS. Then press and hold
OWN.
Multiple control devices can ‘own’ different settings of the device at the same time. But there can
never be more than one owner for the same parameter.
To release ownership, locate the owned parameter in the device's Detail View and press and hold
REL.
To release Stagebox Ownership, press and hold the STAGEBOX OWNERSHIP button to toggle it
off.
Ownership can be ‘taken’ from other owners. To do this locate the desired parameter and press and
hold TAKE.
Note: Ownership does not need to be released before it is taken.
To find out which device is currently the owner of a parameter, locate the parameter in the device's
Detail View. Next to the buttons for OWN, TAKE or REL there is a label area showing the network
name of the owner device.
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Network I/O Stagebox SB 32.24 User Guide Contents
GainCompensation
Each stagebox Mic/Line input has two transmit channels that can be subscribed to in the Dante
network.
When connected to an SSL console or the Network I/O controller app the main and compensated
channels show as two separate devices. Only the Main device offers control of the Stagebox gain
settings and other controls. The compensated device can not be "owned" or have any audio
functions changed.
When an SSL Network I/O Stagebox is connected to the Dante network it will appear in the
Connected Devices list as two separate devices.
One device provides the gain-dependant (uncompensated) signal, and the other device is a
gain-compensated split.
Only a device which subscribes to the gain-dependant audio can own and have control of the
Stagebox gain settings and other controls. The first (SSL) console to route to an uncompensated
channel gets ownership automatically, the Compensated device can never own or have control.
The Compensated device's level is controlled in the Stagebox itself, so any Dante device can receive
the compensated signal. It does not have to be an SSL console.
Gain Compensation works by applying a digital trim offset, which is the negative equivalent of the
analogue gain change value.
The Gamma point is the value at which the analogue gain equals a digital trim value of 0 dB, i.e.
there is no digital trim applied. Digital trim will be applied when the analogue gain level is above or
below the Gamma point. The Gamma point is indicated on the SB 32.24 input GUI as γ.
The owner of an input has access to the Gain Compensation RECALIBRATE button. Pressing and
holding the RECALIBRATE button will reset the Gamma point.
When the preamp is in Line mode, pressing and holding RECALIBRATE will move the Gamma
point to the current position of the analogue gain knob. This means that the analogue gain value
now equals a digital trim value of 0 dB and no digital trim is applied.
When the preamp is in Mic mode, pressing and holding RECALIBRATE will move the Gamma
point to 10 dB below the current position of the analogue gain knob. This feature has been designed
to protect the compensated signal against digital clipping in the event that the analogue gain control
is drastically reduced.
This means that the initial digital trim value is -10 dB, as the analogue gain value is 10 dB above the
Gamma point. Pressing the + or - 3 dB buttons raises or lowers the Gamma point by 3 dB.
Note: An SB 32.24 can have the Main device and the Compensated device connected to
two separate networks. This isolates the gain-dependant and gain-compensated outputs,
and renders the two networks invisible to each other.
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Network I/O Stagebox SB 32.24 User Guide Contents
DanteController
For complete details on Dante Controller software, refer to Audinate’s user guide. The information
below will give you the basics to get started.
Clock sync, device naming and routing are all done within Dante Controller. Dante Controller is the
single point of Dante network management. No network related management is implemented from
SSL software.
Dante utilises the device name for routing. Each device must have a unique name – if a name is
duplicated, it will be appended with a number.
IPConfig
Each device requires a DHCP or fixed IP address. The primary and secondary ports must be on
separate networks or VLANs.
Device Info tab shows the device IP address.
Device > Device View... menu allows setting of DHCP or fixed IP address.
The device will resolve to a link-local address if it is set to DHCP and no DHCP server is present. To
access via link-local, set your PC to DHCP, directly connect to the device’s primary port, and wait for
the link-local addresses to resolve. Link-local addresses use the IP address range 169.254.n.n.
DanteControllerPCGUI
Page 18 of 25

Network I/O Stagebox SB 32.24 User Guide Contents
Appendices
AppendixA–Physicalspecifications
Parameter
Value
Notes
Depth
456 mm
494 mm
(excluding handles)
(incl. handles)
Height
5 RU (220 mm)
Width
431 mm
483 mm
Unit Width Ex. Rack Ears
Including rack ears
Note: Rack Ears not removeable
Weight
14 kg
Power
100-240 V
3.0 – 1.5 A
170 W max.
Boxed size
660 x 620 x 400 (mm)
Boxed weight
16 kg
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Network I/O Stagebox SB 32.24 User Guide Contents
AppendixB–Performancespecifications
Mic/LineInputs
Parameter
Value
Notes
Gain Range
+26 to +70 dB
-4 to +30 dB
-4 to +40 dB
Mic mode, 0 dBFS, 0.1 dB gain step size
Line mode, 0 dBFS, 0.1 dB gain step size
Mic mode with pad engaged
Maximum Input Level
+27.5 dBu
30 dB Pad inserted
Frequency Response
± 0.2 dB
Mic mode, 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Typically ± 0.1 dB
Equivalent Input Noise
< -123 dB
Mic mode, 70 dB gain, A-weighted filter,
22 kHz bandwidth.
Typically -124 dB
Usable Dynamic Range
> 115 dB
Mic mode, 0 dBFS, A-weighted filter,
22 kHz bandwidth.
Typically 116 dB.
Input Impedance
2.3 kΩ / 10 kΩ
Mic / Line. Selectable per channel
CMRR
> 70 dB
> 90 dB
Mic mode, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0 dBu
Mic mode, 1 kHz, 0 dBu
Crosstalk
> -75 dB
> -90 dB
20 Hz – 20 kHz
1 kHz
THD+N
< 0.01 %
Mic mode, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, -1 dBFS,
22 kHz bandwidth.
Phantom Power (Mic
Input)
+48 V ±4 V
10 mA
Selectable per channel
Pad (Mic Input)
30 dB
Selectable per channel
Operating Levels
+24, +22, +20,
+18, +15 dBu
Sample Rates
44.1, 48, 88.2
or 96 kHz
Resolution
24 bit
MeasurementParameters
Sample Rate: 96 kHz
Operating Level: +24 dBu = 0 dBFS
Mic input termination: 150Ω
Mic Mode Gain: 26 dB (unless stated otherwise)
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